Sheikh Hasina slams Hindu monk's arrest in Bangladesh: Anarchist activities

Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following violent student protests in August, condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his immediate release. She also flagged attacks on mosques, shrines, churches in recent months.

In Short

• Sheikh Hasina condemns lawyer's murder in Chittagong
• Criticises interim government for human rights violations
• Demands Chinmoy Das's release and condemns religious violence

Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday condemned the murder of a lawyer in Chittagong and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, demanding his immediate release. Hasina, who fled to India following violent student protests in August, said several opposition leaders and students were being assaulted and arrested, and called for an end to such "anarchist activities".

"A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested. He must be released immediately. A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalised and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured," Hasina said in a statement released by her Awami League.

On Tuesday, a lawyer, identified as assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam, was killed during violent clashes between the security forces and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the police said. The protest broke out after Das was denied bail by the Chittagong court in a sedition case.

Calling for justice, she said, "I am expressing strong protest against this murder. Those involved in this murder will have to be found and punished quickly."

Sheikh Hasina accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, which she described as having unconstitutionally seized power, of failing to protect human rights. “Human rights have been severely violated through this incident,” she said. “A lawyer had gone to fulfil his professional duties, and he was beaten to death in this manner. They are terrorists. Whoever they are, they will be punished,” she added.

She warned the government of consequences if justice is not served. “If the government, which has unconstitutionally seized power, fails to punish these terrorists, then it will also have to face punishment for violating human rights,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina urged citizens to unite against violence and insecurity. “I appeal to the countrymen; everyone should stand against this kind of terror. Stand united,” she said. “It is important to ensure the safety of life and property of common people. The present power grabbers are showing failure in every field.”

Sheikh Hasina further criticised the government for its handling of security and law enforcement. “After killing countless Awami League leaders, students, and public and law enforcement officers, terrorism is done through assault, case, and arrest,” she said. “I strongly condemn and protest against the plaintiff's actions.”

On Monday, the police arrested Das from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as he was about to travel to Chattogram to join a rally.

Chinmoy Das' arrest has also ignited a diplomatic rift between India and Bangladesh. The government on Tuesday condemned the attacks on minorities who had gathered to protest Das's arrest. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Chinmoy Das's arrest has triggered massive protests from the Hindu community, which has faced over 200 attacks since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.